annual report 2009

“We’ve taken big stridesin a short time. But

we’ve got a lot morestriding to do.

Community is key.”

ROBERT STACK

Will County Center for Community ConcernsKris White, Executive Director

304 N. Scott StreetJoliet, IL 60432815.722.0722

Fax 815.722.6344contactus@wcccc.net

www.wcccc.net

Office HoursMonday ~ Friday 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Applications TakenMonday ~ Friday 8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Will County Center of Community Concerns is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization asdetermined by the IRS. Contributions are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.

FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Dear Friends, For many Will County residents 2009 was another tough year. Our community continued to suffer high unemployment and foreclosure rates, making the demand for our services greater than ever. However, with funds made available through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA), Will County Center for Community Concerns has been able to respond to the increased need for services throughout the County. ARRA funds enabled us to greatly increase our services for Will County individuals and families, and hire additional staff, thus creating jobs in Will County. We also implemented two new HUD-funded programs in 2009; the Homeless Prevention/Rapid Re-Housing Program provides assistance to families in precarious

financial straits to prevent them from falling into homelessness, and the Neighborhood Stabilization Program provides for the acquisition, rehab and sale of residential properties in neighborhoods that have been negatively impacted by the foreclosure crisis. We thank all of the volunteers and donors who dedicated their time or made financial contributions to WCCCC in 2009. You helped make the successes in this annual report possible. As always, we will continue to adapt our programs to meet the needs of our community. We look forward to the challenges we will face in 2010, confident that we have the capacity to rise to the occasion and meet the ongoing needs of our customers. Our future is bright with hope!

Kris White, Executive Director

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

David Sullivan, Chairman

Linda Pote, Vice-Chair

Veronica Bollero, Secretary

Elizabeth Franklin, Treasurer

Jackie Barnes

Michele Batara

Judy Batusich

Roger Claar

Lloyd Collins

Katrina Deutsche

Ryan Eggert

Frank Fleischer

Ruth Newell

Jack Tezak

A.J. Wilhelmi

FROM THE BOARD CHAIRMAN

As the economic downturn persists, Will County Center for Community Concerns continues to respond to that crisis situation and to the ongoing needs of our Will County residents. Will County Center for Community Concerns works every day to help our neighbors and citizens get the assistance they need to move forward with their lives. Our primary goal is to provide access to the services and programs necessary for income-eligible residents to become self-sufficient. We are proud to have been able to serve approximately 12,727 households in 2009 through our various programs. ARRA funding allowed us to expand our current level of service and develop new programs to meet the changing and growing issues facing Will County households. Now, we must turn our attention to 2010. We will again offer Weatherization services to an increased number of residences. We will continue to assess our ongoing programs and add new services that will benefit the population we serve. Thank you for helping us make a difference in our community. It is through the generosity of our community that the Will County Center for Community Concerns is able to help those who so desperately need it. David L. Sullivan, Sr., Chairman

“Doors of opportunitydon’t open, they unlock;

it is up to you to turn the knob.”- Lily Taylor

AMERICAN RECOVERY ANDREINVESTMENT ACT OF 2009 (ARRA)

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) is an economic stimulus package that was enacted by Congress in February of 2009. ARRA was intended to create jobs, assist those most impacted by the recession, and promote economic recovery. ARRA provided WCCCC with additional funding for the Community Services Block Grant Program and the Weatherization Program. CSBG ARRA funds are expendable over a 15-month period that spans 2009/2010. In addition to increasing the number of customers served through our standard CSBG programs, WCCCC utilized a portion of ARRA funds to help offset budget cutbacks in local nutrition and housing programs. While the nutrition program did serve a small number of individuals in 2009, the bulk of the funding will be expended in 2010. The ARRA-funded housing assistance will be dispersed in 2010. Two new

CSBG staff were hired; one new housing counselor and a program assistant.

Weatherization ARRA funds will be expended over a two-year period. As the ARRA funds almost tripled our Weatherization budget, WCCCC hired and trained six new assessors, and brought on a contractor specialist and an administrative assistant. A modular office was installed behind our current location to house our Weatherization / Housing Programs staff, necessitating the purchase of furnishings, phones and computers, and testing equipment. We also increased the number of Weatherization contractors from four to thirteen. ARRA funding will enable WCCCC to apply energy conservation measures to more than 450 residences over the term of the grant.

WCCCC is one of many agencies that, through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, is creating jobs, providing assistance to those impacted by the recession, and promoting economic recovery, one household at a time.

“Never doubt that a small groupof thoughtful, committed citizens

can change the world. Indeed,it is the only thing that ever has.”

- Margaret Mead

HOUSING COUNSELING PROGRAM

Housing issues continue to be a serious problem in Will County. Foreclosure filings continue to rise, increasing by 13% in 2009, 37% in 2008 and 34% in 2007. Will County’s foreclosure rate remains among the highest in the state. In a 2006 countywide Homeless Needs Assessment conducted by the United Way of Will County, housing counseling was identified as one of the keys to preventing homelessness in Will County. The increase in the poverty level, rising unemployment, and the subprime mortgage crisis have contributed to a high level of need for housing counseling for residents of Will County. WCCCC is a HUD-certified housing counseling agency, with 3 certified housing counselors on staff. The topics covered during housing counseling include:

Pre-purchase/homebuyer and post-purchase counseling Mortgage default/delinquency Budgeting Property maintenance Landlord/tenant relations Rental counseling Certified renters counseling Eviction, foreclosure, and loss mitigation Rights of owners and tenants faced with displacement Housing assistance programs Each housing counseling participant receives at minimum four hours of individual or twelve hours of group counseling. Between October 1, 2008 and September 30, 2009, WCCCC served 305 households through our HUD Housing Counseling program.

CSBG PROGRAMS The Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) is a federal program that provides funds to each state to support community programs that alleviate the causes and conditions of poverty by providing services and activities addressing employment, education, better use of available income, housing, nutrition, emergency services, and/or health. Will County Center for Community Concerns’ CSBG funds help us provide a range of services and activities to meet the needs of income-eligible individuals. This year, funding for our CSBG program nearly tripled under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, helping us assist a greater number of income-eligible Will County residents.

In 2009, CSBG provided $633,409 in services to 3,537 households. Regular CSBG funds totaled $226,619.73. These funds were used to provide services to: 626 seniors, 473 individuals with disabilities, and 466 children.

In 2009, CSBG ARRA funds totaled $406,790.21 and provided services to: 249 seniors, 203 individuals with disabilities, and 805 children.

Mabel Rodriguez first came to the Will County Center for Community Concerns in need of rental assistance. Ms. Rodriguez was also enrolled in our Family and Community Development (FCD) program. As an FCD participant, Ms. Rodriguez set goals in the areas of finding and maintaining employment, accessing affordable child care, and establishing a bank account. Ms. Rodriguez worked diligently to meet her goals and successfully completed the FCD program in June 2009. Ms. Rodriguez also attended our Money Management course and earned $100 toward opening a savings/checking account. Ms. Rodriguez is very grateful that the Will County Center for Community Concerns “helped myself and my family tremendously.”

CSBG PROGRAMS

Program - CSBG Funds Number of People Served Certified Renters 364 Children’s Programming 40 Employment Support Project 17 Family and Community Development 10 Financial Literacy 30 Holiday Baskets 125 Homeless Services 14 Housing Counseling Services 388 Mortgage/Property Tax Assistance 27 Information and Referral 2,610 Prescription Drug Assistance 65 Rent and Water Assistance 352 Scholarship Program 4

Program - ARRA Funds Number of People ServedEmployment Support Project 11 Mortgage/Property Tax Assistance 84 Prescription Drug Assistance 136 Rent and Water Assistance 612 Scholarship Program 6 Nutrition Program* 78 *meals provided through Senior Services and Lamb’s Fold Women’s Center

“What do we live for, ifit is not to make life lessdifficult for each other?”

- George Eliot

WEATHERIZATION

Air leakage is one of the greatest causes of energy waste in a residence, accounting for an estimated 25% to 40% of the energy used for heating and cooling in a typical house. Air that leaks into and out of homes transfers heat into and out of the building, and poor weatherization is often the cause for this air movement. Improving the energy efficiency of a residence can reduce the energy demand and may dramatically decrease utility bills. The Illinois Home Weatherization Assistance Program (IHWAP) is designed to help income-eligible residents save fuel and money, while increasing the comfort of their homes. Through IHWAP, participants receive heating system inspections, caulking, insulation of external walls and attic areas, weather stripping, and other energy conservation measures, depending upon the needs of the home.

Felisha Johnson’s home received Weatherization assistance from the WCCCC. In addition to Weatherization, WCCCC replaced her soffit through the Lead Hazard Reduction Program and replaced the roof of the house through the Home Repair Program. Felisha was extremely pleased with the assistance she received and wrote, “My situation was very stressful. I would like to thank the Will County Center for Community Concerns and the Weatherization program. Keep the program going!” Between July 1, 2008 and June 30, 2009 we weatherized 151 homes for a total cost of $704,869.61. These households included 46 seniors, 41 individuals with disabilities, and 43 children.

“There is no power for changegreater than a community

discovering what it cares about.”- Margaret J. Wheatley

LOW-INCOME HOUSING ENERGYASSISTANCE PROGRAM (LIHEAP)

For many families, high energy costs can greatly stress the household budget and force families to decide between what bills to pay and what items to do without. A typical low- income household spends one-fifth of their annual income on energy bills, more than six times the level that other income groups devote to home energy bills. The Low-Income Housing Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps income-eligible households meet their residential heating and cooling costs. Between July 1, 2008 and June 30, 2009 Will County Center for Community Concerns provided assistance to 7,906 households through LIHEAP for a total cost of $4,555,091, and replaced or repaired

30 furnaces at a cost of $74,831. The households served through LIHEAP included: 3,253 seniors, 3,356 individuals with disabilities, and 12,245 children. Additional funding through the ComEd Special Hardship Program is available for clients who have suffered financial hardships due to high medical bills, military service, a physical disability, or other hardships. Income guidelines for this program are more liberal than for the LIHEAP program, but assistance is one-time only. In 2009, 492 households were served through the ComEd Special Hardship Program for a total of $185,773.06.

In 2007, Emergency Funding aided 11 individuals at a

cost of $3,110.17.

LEAD HAZARDREDUCTION PROGRAM

Exposure to lead is a serious health risk, especially for young children. The Lead Hazard Reduction Program benefits families in Will County with children under the age of six whose health is at risk due to exposure to lead hazards. Deteriorating paint, household dust, drinking water, and contaminated soil around the home are all possible sources of exposure. This program is a joint effort between Will County Center for Community Concerns, the Will County Health Department, and the Will County Land Use Department/Community Development Division. In this program, we identify homes that may be contaminated with lead, do an assessment of the home, and make the repairs necessary to reduce or eliminate the identified hazards. In 2009, 69 households containing 102 children under six were served by this program for a total cost of $691,020.33. Will County Center for Community

Concerns has also created a registry of lead-free homes that can be viewed on our web site: www.wcccc.net/lsrh.asp.

HOME REPAIR PROGRAM

It is estimated that almost 95% of low-income homeowners are unable to adequately repair and/or maintain their homes. Simple home repairs are unaffordable, yet repairs left undone can lead to code violations and subsequent evictions. Our Home Repair Program addresses this need and helps residents turn around their substandard housing conditions, comply with building codes, and remain in their homes. This program receives no government funding; it is 100% community- supported. In 2009, eight households were served through this program at a total cost of $22,573. Repairs completed under this program included window replacements, furnace replacements, roof repair, gutter repair, replacement of gas shut off valves and gas pipes, exhaust fan repairs, and more.

BEFORE

AFTER

HOME MODIFICATION PROGRAM

The Home Modification Program, funded by the Illinois Housing Development Authority, helps seniors and individuals with disabilities live safely and independently in their own homes by completing necessary home modifications. Because the population of seniors and persons with disabilities in Will County is growing, there is an increased need for accessible housing that will allow these individuals to live independently rather than in an institutional setting. For many, it is difficult to obtain safe, affordable housing, and even more difficult to afford any modifications. This program lessens the financial strain and the possibility of losing one’s independence by making the structural modifications that ensure that the homes of seniors and persons with disabilities are safe and accessible. In 2009, seven homes were modified at a total cost of $105,575.89.

Repairs completed under this program include widening of doorways, installation of a wheelchair lift, relocating light switches, modifying kitchens and bathrooms for accessibility, and minor repairs. The Home Modification Program at Will County Center for Community Concerns has helped with barriers in my home that stopped me from having access to everyday equipment. I needed a new shower installed because my tub made it impossible for me to enter the shower and bathe. The doors to the bedroom and bathroom were too small for me to enter through. My kitchen appliances were not accessible to me and the entrance to the kitchen was also too small. I couldn’t see guests at the front door, and I couldn’t exit or enter my home without challenges with opening and closing the door. Thanks to the program, my home is accessible, and I have independence.” ~ Vincent Foster, Home Modification Program customer

NEIGHBORHOOD STABILIZATION PROGRAM

During the past few years, communities across the United States have been impacted by mortgage foreclosures, including Will County. As homes are foreclosed upon and become vacant, they fall into disrepair from neglect and abuse, and ultimately reduce the property values of the surrounding neighborhood. The Neighborhood Stabilization Program began in 2009 in partnership with the Will County Community Development Division. The program stabilizes neighborhoods that have been negatively impacted by the foreclosure crisis. The purpose of the program is to purchase and redevelop blighted, foreclosed, or abandoned residential properties, thereby improving overall home values in the targeted neighborhood. After rehab work is done, the properties are sold to eligible homebuyers and the proceeds

of each sale are reinvested in the program. Every homebuyer is required to complete eight hours of home buyer’s education with WCCCC’s HUD-certified housing counseling staff. Last year, WCCCC conducted pre-purchase assessments on 29 properties to help determine which properties were appropriate for rehab. The County purchased 19 of those properties, which were then assigned to a contractor for rehab. The first completely rehabbed home was turned over to a new owner in December 2009.

HOMELESSNESS PREVENTION AND RAPID RE-HOUSING PROGRAM

The Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program is focused on housing for homeless and at-risk households. This program is funded by HUD and the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. Services include case management, housing relocation and stabilization, financial assistance, short- and medium-term rental assistance, rental arrears, and housing placement. The services provided under this program are meant to help participants meet goals and regain housing stability and independence as quickly as possible. The program targets income-eligible newly homeless and at-risk households who are most in need of temporary assistance, most likely to achieve stable housing after the program concludes, and who would be homeless without this assistance. In order to be eligible for services under this program, a

household’s total income must be at or below 50 percent of Area Median Income, the household must be either homeless or be at imminent risk of losing its housing, and receive an eligibility assessment with a case manager. WCCCC and Catholic Charities, Diocese of Joliet have partnered to administer this program in Will County and services are available through both agencies. This program began in the last quarter of 2009. On average, $2,561.93 in financial assistance was provided to each household.

“If poverty is a disease that infects theentire community in the form of

unemployment and violence, failingschools and broken homes, then we can’t

just treat those symptoms in isolation. We have to heal that entire community.”

- Barack Obama

CONTINUUM OF CARE

The Will County Continuum of Care is a partnership of over 200 members representing over 75 agencies. The membership is composed of government entities, elected officials, non-profit agencies, businesses, housing developers, financial institutions, churches, health care providers, neighborhood associations, educators, the media, homeless and formerly homeless persons, and others. The Continuum of Care is concerned with the broad issues surrounding homelessness in Will County, including education, employment, grants/funding, housing, support services, technology, and transportation. The Continuum is dedicated to streamlining and strengthening the current service delivery system through even greater collaborative planning, partnership and program execution. It is the vision of the Continuum of Care to create a

seamless, comprehensive system of services that:

Prevents and ends homelessness, supports the emergency as well as ongoing supportive needs of the homeless and at-risk population, provides the tools necessary to sustain needs of the homeless and at-risk population, and leads to permanent self-sufficiency. The Will County Center for Community Concerns is the lead agency for the Will County Continuum of Care and provides administrative support for its committees and functions.

“My home is a place ofwarmth and love. No one should

be denied a home.”- Gail Porter

HOMELESS SERVICES PROGRAM

Homeless service providers in Will County refer individuals and families to our Homeless Services Program for services when other avenues have been exhausted. Services and assistance provided through this program include case management, bus fare, clothing, prescriptions, gas cards, ID cards, birth certificates, food vouchers, and employment training. Access to such services is critical to helping the homeless population overcome the barriers to escaping homelessness. In 2009, 478 households containing 691 individuals were served through the Homeless Services Program. Of these households, 310 were residing in emergency shelter, 48 were enrolled in transitional housing programs, 46 were inconsistently staying with family or friends, 32 were on the streets with no form of shelter, 26 were temporarily staying in a hotel or motel, 12 were in

a substance abuse treatment program, 3 were residing in permanent housing for homeless persons, and 1 was residing in a hospital.

4TH WEEK PHENOMENON PROGRAM The 4th Week Phenomenon Program, funded with Community Service Block Grant funds, provides stable housing for up to six months to individuals and families that currently reside in hotels or motels due to their limited financial resources, and depend upon emergency shelters to provide housing and food for the “fourth week” of the month. While participating in this program, clients are provided with case management and other supportive services to help them move into permanent or transitional housing. In 2009, 14 households containing 22 individuals received services through this program, including 691 nights of stable housing.

HOLIDAY FOOD BASKETS

The Will County Center for Community Concerns Holiday Basket Program provides food baskets to low-income families in Will County. Through funding from the Community Service Block Grant, each eligible family was provided with a generously filled food basket, and hats and gloves for each child aged 16 or younger. Donations by local businesses and private citizens ensured that each of the children also received a new, age- appropriate toy. This year, participants had the opportunity to visit and have a digital photo taken with Santa while enjoying refreshments provided by local businesses. In 2009, 125 families were served through this program, including 255 very happy children.

“For a community to be whole and healthy,it must be based on people’s

love and concern for each other.”- Millard Fuller

2009 DONORS

Businesses

Adler Roofing

Another Plumbing Company

BankFinancial

Berlinsky Scrap Corp

Bob Martin Auto Sales

Caring Hands by Kris

Citizens for Roger Claar

Diamond Unlimited

Fabrizio, Hanson, Peyla

& Kawinski

First Federal Savings Bank

First Midwest Bank

For the Good of It

Friends of A.J. Wilhelmi

IL Time Recorder Co

Krockey, Cernugel, Cowgill,

Clark LTD

Len Cox & Sons Excavating

Mancuso Cheese

MB Financial

Michael Bolos LTD

Northern Illinois Steel Supply

Oakk Construction

Old Fashioned Pancake House

Ornelas Construction Co

Packard Transport

Priority Staffing, LTD

Pro-Town Properties

Rathbun, Cservenyak & Kozol

Rita’s Home Daycare

Sulzer Pumps

Three Rivers Association

of Realtors

Town Center Bank

Turk Furniture

Turtle Wax Car Wash

Wal-Mart

Foundations/Civic Groups

A. Montgomery Ward

Foundation

Aileen S. Andrew Foundation

Caterpillar Foundation

Joliet Junior Woman’s Club

Ozinga Foundation

St. Mary Margaret Parish

Individuals

Anonymous

Don & Raelene Barnes

Von Ray & Jackie Barnes

Paul Boetto

Veronica & Ludwig Bollero

Rita Bradley

Lloyd Collins

Nancy & Fabio Franchi

Michael Hennesy

Edward & Sheryl Jaquays

Pat & Lora McGuire

Linda & Walter Pote

Rev James & Nancy Allen

Karen Stukel

Tom & Thea Thanas

Municipalities

Dupage Township

Frankfort Township

Homer Township

Jackson Township

Lockport Township

Peotone Township

Village of Rockdale

Will Township

Unrestricted Net Assets

Unrestricted Revenues and Reclassifications

Federal Grant Revenue $7,974,729

State Grant Revenue $1,702,672

Other Grant Revenue $28,420

Interest and Dividend Income $2,916

Donations $60,989

Other Income $1,151

Total Unrestricted Revenues $9,770,877

Expenses

Program Services $9,285,598

Management and General $450,650

Total Expenses $9,736,248

Increase in Unrestricted Net Assets $34,629

Net Assets Beginning of Year (As Restated) $355,218

Net Assets End of Year $389,847

FINANCIALS 2009Statement of ActivitiesFor the Year Ended December 31, 2009

Unrestricted Net Assets

Unrestricted Revenues and Reclassifications

Federal Grant Revenue $7,974,729

State Grant Revenue $1,702,672

Other Grant Revenue $28,420

Interest and Dividend Income $2,916

Donations $60,989

Other Income $1,151

Total Unrestricted Revenues $9,770,877

Expenses

Program Services $9,285,598

Management and General $450,650

Total Expenses $9,736,248

Increase in Unrestricted Net Assets $34,629

Net Assets Beginning of Year (As Restated) $355,218

Net Assets End of Year $389,847

annual report 2009

“We’ve taken big stridesin a short time. But

we’ve got a lot morestriding to do.

Community is key.”

ROBERT STACK

Will County Center for Community ConcernsKris White, Executive Director

304 N. Scott StreetJoliet, IL 60432815.722.0722

Fax 815.722.6344contactus@wcccc.net

www.wcccc.net

Office HoursMonday ~ Friday 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Applications TakenMonday ~ Friday 8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Will County Center of Community Concerns is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization asdetermined by the IRS. Contributions are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.

Established in 1987, Will County Center for Community Concerns is the Community Action Agency serving all of Will County. Our mission is to assist and enable low-income individuals to obtain the opportunities needed to prepare them for self-sufficiency.